LaLiga - Matchday 24 - 25/02/2017 13:00h

Valencia CF’s three-game unbeaten run comes to an end against Alavés (2-1)

February, 25 2017 -

Valencia CF’s three-game unbeaten run came to an end on Matchday 24 of the LaLiga Santander season, as opponents Alavés came back from 1-0 down to win 2-1 at Mendizorroza. Carlos Soler’s goal for VCF was cancelled out by strikes from Alavés’ Ibai Gómez and Katai.

There were a series of changes made from the VCF side that beat Real Madrid in midweek, with Eliaquin Mangalà, José Luis Gayà and Enzo Pérez starting on the bench, Nani out injured and Aymen Abdennour, Guilherme Siqueira, Mario Suárez and Soler coming into the first XI.

Home side Alavés were the first to have an attempt on goal, but Ibai Gómez’ header was parried away by Diego Alves and the Basque player fired his follow-up attempt over the crossbar.

Valencia CF had an early effort when Siqueira’s inch-perfect cross was shinned off-target by Soler, and kept looking for an opening goal through an active Simone Zaza. For Alavés, Manu Garcia produced a solo move that culminated in him dragging his shot wide.

An evenly-balanced first half, in which both sides had chances and neither had dominated possession, concluded 0-0.

Much like in the first period, the second half began with an opportunity for the home side. Manu Garcia was thwarted by Alves when he sent a left footed shot towards goal. A few minutes later, Christian Santos broke free and put his strike just wide of the right post.

Increased pressure made it difficult for Valencia CF to play the ball, and Alves became the more active of the two goalkeepers. He showed his skill at one-on-ones by rushing to close off the angle for Rubén Soriano, as Alavés again hit a brick wall in the form of the VCF stopper.

Voro made a substitution on 67 minutes, replacing Enzo Pérez with Munir El-Haddadi. Valencia CF upped their attacking output, and just three minutes later they got the opening goal: Parejo sent in a free kick that Alavés’ Pacheco was able to keep away from the net, but Soler pounced onto the rebound to make it 0-1. It was the VCF Academy product’s second goal for the first team, following his maiden strike against Villarreal.

Unfortunately, the joy proved to be short lived. Alavés got back on terms when Gómez shook off defenders and hit a low drive into the net, seven minutes after VCF had taken the lead.

Valencia CF would go home empty handed due to one of the final moves of the game. Fresh onto the field as a substitute, Katai took advantage of confusion off a cross to score the winning goal.

A 2-1 defeat ended a positive run of results, with the added hinderance of Fabian Orellana being sent off for a second yellow card just before the final whistle.

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Photographs by Lázaro de la Peña, re-use is not permitted.